The Shuimo (Water Mill) Valley [Wulumuqi]

The Shuimo (Water Mill) Valley, located five kilometers east of the city in the suburbs, is a well-known scenic spot graced with gushing springs, emerald green plants and old trees. During the reign of the Qing Dynasty Emperor Guangxu, Pan Xiaosu, the first imperial inspector appointed by the emperor to Xinjiang, gave the springs in the valley the name ¡°Springs of Admiration for the Sacred¡± and had an upright stone tablet erected, on which was engraved an inscription by the inspector himself. In 1888, or the fourteenth year of the reign of Emperor Guangxu, Dai Lan, a demoted official sent into exile to Xinjiang by the Empress Dowager Ci Xi, built the ¡°Xiao Cao Pavilion¡± in the valley. Later on, the Qing troops built water mills here for processing army provisions and caused great damage to the scenery. After liberation, flowers and green trees were extensively planted, wayside pavilions built, small bridges erected and recreation centers opened. Now the valley has become a quiet and beautiful place for sightseeing.